So you are travelling around this beautiful country of ours & really want to see the captivating Clare Valley but only have 36 hours. No problem! Read on & we will show you how!

 

Firstly, let us tell you a little about Clare Valley…

Clare Valley is the most famous Riesling region in Australia, it is also one of the oldest.  The principal red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz. It is South Australia’s largest with 50% of all its crops grown there. Therefore it accounts for 2% of Australia’s national grape crush. Also receiving 7% of awards given to Australian wines.

The first grapes were planted in 1951 by Jesuit priests, who - to this day – continue to make sacramental wine at one of Australia’s oldest & most unusual vineyards, Sevenhills.

 

Spotlight on 3 wineries

To kick start visiting some fabulous wineries down here, a large winery you must visit is Jim Barry Wines. With free entry, 14 hectares of property to explore which produce some famous wine brands including The Florita Riesling, The Lodge Hill Riesling and the First Eleven Cabernet Sauvignon, worth the exploration. Located Craig Hill Road SA 5453. Next up is a medium sized winery Annie’s Lane. Heritage listed, has a beautiful on-site picnic ground to spend a wine tasting session along with some delicious food. We also suggest heading down to the small Pikes Wines winery to enjoy a wonderful selection of ‘homemade’ wines and gourmet grazing plates compiled of cheese, crackers, olives and fresh fruit.

Jim Barry Wines (08) 8842 2261
Annie’s Lane (08) 8843 2204
Pikes Wines (08) 8843 4370 or email info@pikeswines.com.au

 

 

 

 

 

Getting there

From Adelaide Airport jump on a comfy Yorke Peninsula Coach Services bus & relax, take in the beautiful country side while they get you there. The one hour trip will pass in the blink of an eye! By taking the bus & not hiring a car you will be contributing to the environment by reducing the carbon offset.

 

www.ypcoaches.com.au

 

 

Accommodation

 

There are many lovely places to stay in the Clare Valley region, but we know you need to consider your budget.  Our recommendation is the Clare Valley Motel, centrally located comfortable accommodation on the top of a hill & nestled amongst tranquil gardens. Clare Valley Motel won’t disappoint.

74A Main North Rd, Clare. Ph: 08 8422 2799

King suite with spa $145 per night

Queen suite $128 per night

www.clarevalleymotel.com.au

Where to eat

You are spoilt for choice when looking for quality places to eat in Clare Valley, there is a great variety catering for all tastes & budgets. Travelling around we sampled many a fine meal. For our money you can’t go past the meals on offer at Artisan Table, where they serve delicious meals using the best fresh local produce. The service is impeccable & we will go back again.

They have a great range including Macadamia Crumbed Chicken Breast, Marinated Pork Fillet, Prawn Tails & a delicious Mixed Nut & Coffee Tart. Prices range from $8 (starters) to $32 (mains). They also serve a good variety of local wines.

Wendouree Rd, Clare. Ph: 08 8842 1796

Open: Wednesday – Friday for Dinner

           Saturday for Lunch & Dinner

 

 

Local produce

In the Clare Valley locals use time honoured methods to produce free range chicken, ethically farmed lamb, gourmet sausages, chutneys & Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Many local stores carry lines of locally produced items, also a great many of the cafes & restaurants use local produce in their dishes.

 

Tourist Attraction

The Riesling Trail is the tourist attraction we recommend the most as it is simply spectacular. Free entry is the golden ticket, this trail is designed to view the picturesque Clare Valley wine region. One of the first Riesling-trails to be created in South Australia, the trail runs for 35km (Auburn to Clare and then onto Barinia. It’s location: two hour’s drive north of Adelaide. It also complies of three loop trails which allow you to travel to your starting point, without heading over any old grounds. Car parking is available at Clare Valley, Sevenhill, Watervale and Auburn. Cycling, mountain biking, wine tastings, walking trail, picnic area, café & sheltered area and cellar door opportunities, don’t miss out on this wonderful and unique way to really absorb what the Clare Valley wine region has to offer.

Outdoor Activity

 

Go on and explore the Riesling trail in a pedal go-cart instead of the traditional method of walking or cycling. $50.00 for part of the day (maximum 3hrs) or pay $70.00, and you can pedal for the entire day!

Inchiquin Lake is another great activity to venture off and see as it too does not cost anything. Go on, relax and experience the local produce by having a picnic lunch, then explore the BMX track and enjoy the recreation centre.

 

Outdoor sport/recreation Activity
The Giant Maze at Mintaro is a really good choice to do as this can add the ‘fun’ element to this quick trip down to Clare. With the price tag of $12.00 per Adult, surely 800 conifers, fountains, tricky turns and giant sized games can tempt you enough to want to go and complete the maze! If a maze does not sound like you then why not aboard the miniature railway in Clare? 1km of track with bridges, tunnels and 10 hectares of parkland, at $2.00 per Adult this is a crazy cheap activity!

 

 

 

Guided Tour

Another great way to explore the region is a guided tour. Daisy vintage and classic cars will be at your guided tour service! For an all day tour at $350.00, your money is well worth is at you get morning or afternoon tea, lunch at a selected restaurant, pick up and drop off at your own accommodation residence (within the district). The best part? A personal guide and accredited driver to complete this entire day of relaxation and enjoyment of the Clare Valley!
- Full day tours for 2 adults (excluding alcohol consumption with any given meal) requires a $50.00 deposit for confirmation of the booking.

- Half day tour also available, $250 for 2 people

 

Wine Festival

We highly recommend that you visit the Clare Valley when the fabulous Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend is on, in 2015 this will be May 15^th to 17^th. This annual event is presented by Clare Valley Winemakers Inc. More than 20 wineries take part, hosting a variety of events ranging from tastings to open air theatre to workshops with prices starting at $10 up to $150. There will be lots of wine, food & local entertainment – something for everyone!

www.clarevalley.com.au

 

Suggested Dates: Friday 15^th May – Saturday 16^th May

 

Suggested Itinerary:

Friday 15^th

8am – Arrive at Adelaide Airport

8:30am – Bus to Clare Valley

10:30am – Arrive Clare Valley

11am to 4pm – Ride the Riesling Trail

4:30pm – Check into Clare Valley Motel

7:30pm to 9:30pm – Dinner at Artisan Table

Saturday 16^th

10:30am – Open Air Theatre of Wine at Taylors Vineyard (part of Gourmet Weekend)

11:15am to 12:45pm – Gourmet Food & Wine Market at Ennes Park (part of Gourmet Weekend)

1pm to 5pm – Half day guided your by Daisy’s Vintage Cars

5:30pm – Bus to Adelaide

7:30pm – Arrive at Adelaide Airport

8pm – Flight to next destination

 

Anticipated Cost:

Bus pass (3 day visitor pass) – $25pp so $50 total

Accommodation - $145 for the night

Go Kart hire - $90 (2 person kart)

Dinner at Artisan Table - $170 approx. (starters, entrée, main, dessert, bottle of wine)

Open Air Wine Theatre - $20

Half day tour - $250

Total is $725

So if you have a $1200 budget, this leaves $475 for spending & any extras that may crop up.

 

 

 

Enjoy your stay in the Captivating Clare Valley!